Cellar Staples

Stock your larder with wines ready for anything

By TYLER BALLIET

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A good cook will keep their pantry stocked with a few staple items in case they need to prepare a late meal, whip up an impromptu dinner party or feed themselves despite putting off a trip to the market. A good wino should also have a stash for similar circumstances. Four bottles of wine will cover the bases, and they don't need to cost much—just get you out of a booze bind. These are your cans of tomatoes, dried pasta and block of parmesan: simple, inexpensive, but absolutely essential.

ESSENTIAL BOTTLE #1: BUBBLY

Whether it's used to celebrate an unexpected success or to drown the sorrows of defeat, there is no substitute for sparkling wine. Genuine Champagne is the optimal choice, but with price tags starting in the $30 range, there is no shame in pinch-hitting with a Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco. For those of you with considerate roommates, keep the bubbly in the fridge. It'll allow you to charge home and dramatically spray vino everywhere when you get the big promotion or ace an exam. This is also a great backup when you forget a friend's birthday.

ESSENTIAL BOTTLE #2: WHITE WINE

A dry, crisp white is your best bet, as it's a versatile crowd pleaser. Go with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Spanish Albariño or Unoaked Chardonnay. These guys will help you cool down spicy Asian takeout. They also pair perfectly with most seafood dishes and make a great "pre/post-night" quaffer. Whites are also handy for cooking, as many recipes call for a cup or two. If you don't drink white wine, think of it like keeping a condom next to your bed while going through a dry spell. It may sit there for months, but when the need arises, the last thing you'd want to do is make a last-minute trip to the store.

ESSENTIAL BOTTLE #3: MEDIUM RED

This is your Swiss Army knife, your "Jack of all trades," your "why not, let's drink" wine. Versatility is key, as you want it to fit with most situations and meals, but pick a wine you can afford to replace on a regular basis. Try something like a Colombia Valley red blend, a Côtes du Rhône from France or a Rioja made from Spanish Tempranillo. You can get a good bottle in the $10 to $15 range, which makes them cheap enough to drink without occasion but tasty enough to bring to a party.

ESSENTIAL BOTTLE #4: THE BIG BOLD RED

This is for meat night. Whether it's a fancy steak, a fried burger or a hearty portobello mushroom, you need a wine that can hold up to stronger flavors. Look to the Southern Hemisphere for such productions. For a fraction of the price, Chile makes killer Cabernets with similar complexity and depth to their Napa Valley cousins. Argentina cranks out badass, juicy Malbecs, and the smaller vineyards of Australia make quality Shiraz perfect for all things grilled.

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